Dubai’s Population: A Closer Look at the

Ethnicities and Culture that Make up

Dubai.
In 1971 census statistics put the population of the UAE as a whole at 300,000 people. In 2017, Dubai
alone is residence to an estimated 2.5 million people, and has become a city well-known for the diverse
and harmonious ethnicities and cultures that call it home.

From Asia to Europe to Africa every continent and nationality finds itself well represented here, while
Arabic might be the official language in every shop and official office you visit you’ll find English spoken
too alongside a variety of other languages. Let’s take a peek behind the statistics and find out more
about Dubai’s population.

An International Hub
Of the millions of residents in Dubai only 15% are native Emiratis, the other 85% of the population is
made up of expatriates, far ahead of the closes competitor Brussels with a foreign born population of
62%. Amongst these you’ll find a strong Asian contingent made up of Indians (51%), Pakistanis (17%),
Bangladeshis (9%) and Filipinos (3). A further 3% of the regular population is made up of Western expats,
from the UK, US, Australia and other European and Oceanic countries.

However these figures don’t tell the whole story, on any given day Dubai’s population actually comes in
at around 3 million people, the difference is made up by tourists. Yes, such is Dubai’s attraction to visitors
that 500,000 different nationalities rub shoulders with the normal population every single day.

Cultural Freedom
Dubai is a Muslim country and you’ll find many aspects of Islamic culture as part of daily life there, such
as a great focus on hospitality and respect towards strangers, a deference towards women that includes
respectful dress and interactions. As well as general civility between all people Muslims and Non-
Muslims alike.

Alongside Islam, Dubai is a welcoming hose to all religions and cultural practices you’ll find Hindu
temples, Sikh Gurdwaras, Churches of all denomination amongst the mosques. People of all ethnicities
and from all walks of life rub shoulders and practice freely in this cultural melting point.

Other Facts and Figures

Here’s a brief run-down of some other handy facts and figures you should keep in mind regarding Dubai’s
population.

 Dubai’s population is concentrated in four communities, Muhaisnah, Jebel Ali, Al Quoz Industrial
Areas and Karama.
 About 20% of the Emirati population still lives in rural areas, outside of the large urban cities.
  75% of Dubai’s resident population is male
 The life expectance for males in Dubai is 76, and is 79 for females.
 Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with an annual growth rate of 10.7%
 In total Dubai is home to 200 nationalities
 Dubai’s population is overwhelmingly young, with over 2/3 of people living there under the age
of 29.

A Great Place to Live and Work

As the economic center of the Gulf, Dubai provides a cosmopolitan and inclusive destination that’s
perfect for tourists and expatriates alike. With great financial incentives, a great lifestyle and a stable
atmosphere Dubai’s population is only set to grow further.